EMS
EMS: from end-of-life to lively B2B site in a snap
When it came to the inner workings of EMS (European Mobile Services)’s platform, we had no notes. The B2B website of this payment solution provider, however, left something to be desired. We replaced a legacy system with composable architecture including headless CMS. And we did it all in under 3 months!
Services
Roadmap development
Composable
Headless CMS
Storyblok
Web development
Release
2024
Top-tier project management
After our initial conversation with EMS, we were given the end-of-life date for its CMS. Deadline: 1 January, 2024. Somewhat of a challenge when you find yourself in October 2023. But Touchtribe was happy to pick up the gauntlet and get EMS’ architecture migrated as quickly as possible.
The first agenda item: setting priorities. We created a list of deliverables and made sure we could complete them step by step. That paid off because we were able to deliver the composable architecture ahead of the deadline.
We chose a Vercel framework with Next.js, styling using Tailwind and a headless CMS from Storyblok.
Form follows function
The tight deadline played a huge role in how we went to work, choosing off-the-shelf components from Tailwind's CSS framework. While we usually build and develop according to a design, this project called for a switch. Instead, we matched the design to the components. This resulted in a shorter lead time, which helped us stay on track.
Multimodal site
EMS serves a wide range of customers, from clothing stores and cafes, to taxi companies and dentists. In short, everywhere you would expect a point of sale. They operate throughout Europe. So as you can imagine, there are different target groups and languages. But how do you address them all?
We opted for a multimodal website, where you can click from one language or region to another, without leaving the site. We replaced the old CMS with a headless CMS from Storyblok – separating the frontend from the backend in the process. This way, specific content can be posted by country and language, which exist independently of each other.
We implemented the architecture in such a way that even the menu structure can differ per country, while general, shared content can live on multiple sites at once without the need for duplication.
Similar to Tailwind, we used Storyblok’s standard components. This gives the content editors at EMS the freedom to add new pages and streamlines their process.
Responsive. High-ranking. ISO-proof.
A high-performance, mobile-first website was high on the wish list for EMS. We made sure that the site is continuously tracked for performance and responsiveness. We also ensure that the highest Lighthouse score is achieved in terms of SEO.
As EMS is a financial institution, ISO regulations must also be taken into account. Fortunately, this is something Touchtribe is experienced in. So when the entire EMS website was audited after delivery, we expected nothing short of a successful outcome.
Integrations: Prepared for the future
The website mainly functions as an information site for potential EMS customers and as a customer service and support site for existing ones. Visitors can request information about services or devices via forms, which are directly linked to EMS’ CRM (Salesforce) through an API. This ensures that the customer overview remains clear for the sales department.
An additional advantage of working with composable architecture is that, as they grow or develop, customers can choose to add new components to their website using APIs. For example, EMS shows its product range, but doesn’t offer a direct purchase option via the website. Creating an integration with an e-commerce platform could be a next step that we can implement relatively straightforwardly.
The collaboration
Touchtribe provided the architecture for the EMS site. The user experience and front-end design came from Soda studio and Resoluut respectively, both part of MakerStreet.